May 27/09 13:23 pm - Toronto Submits 2015 Pan American Games Bid Book

The Toronto Bid Committee for the 2015 Pan American Games have submitted their Bid Book, and all disciplines of cycling are included. The 233 page Bid Book is not available, but this is what we know:

* Proposed Toronto 2015 Pan American Games dates: July 10 to July 26, 2015* Proposed Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games dates: August 7 to August 14, 2015* Toronto 2015 sport program is based on 36 sports - The 26 sports on the Summer Olympic sport program - Ten additional sports subject to approval by PASO* Parapan Am sport program is based on 11 sports, all of which will offer qualification and classification opportunities for future international competitions* Toronto 2015 sport venue plan includes more than 50 venues for both competition and training, including major newly-constructed sport venues - Canadian Sport Institute Ontario - Pan American Aquatics Centre, with its two 10-lane 50-metre pools and a Dive Tank - Pan American Stadium - Pan American Velodrome - Two additional 10-lane 50 metre pools at different locations

For cycling, the reference to the Velodrome is a huge relief, since it was in some danger of being left out, due to the expense of building a facility.

The total budget for Games infrastructure and legacy is $700 million, not including the Pan Am Village to be built on reclaimed West Don Lands. The total cost is expected to be over $2.2 billion.

Toronto will be competing against Bogota, Colombia and Lima, Peru for the 2015 Games.

“We have a strong plan to stage an exceptional Pan Am Games,” said the Hon. David Peterson, Chair of Toronto 2015. “Our plan will provide a memorable, world-class experience for the athletes and a valuable legacy for the community to enjoy for years to follow.”

The Games would create 15,000 jobs in construction, Games support and operations, attract 250,000 tourists, bring 10,000 athletes and team officials together, and shine a spotlight on Toronto for the 25-day competition. In addition, Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region would gain much-needed new sports infrastructure and legacy fund.

“I support efforts to bring the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games to the Greater Toronto and Golden Horseshoe Area because there is a critical need to broaden the availability of a sport and recreation infrastructure better suited to the diversity of our region, laying the foundation to a healthier, more active community.” - Curt Harnett,